Combination cigar cutting device comprising a plurality of cutters and writing instrument

ABSTRACT

A combination cigar cutting device with a plurality of cutters and writing instrument ( 15 ), comprising a cigar cutter assembly ( 20 ) attached to a writing instrument ( 25 ).  
     Assembly ( 20 ) comprising a plurality-cutter coupling ( 60 ), a multifunctional shaft ( 40 ), and an end cap ( 30 ). Coupling ( 60 ), comprising a first tubular cutter ( 66 ) and a first coupling thread ( 60 A) at the first end, and a second tubular cutter ( 68 ) and a second coupling thread ( 60 B) at the second end. Whereby coupling ( 60 ) is rotated end-over-ends to alternately attach to cap ( 30 ) and to writing instrument ( 25 ), and whereby cutter ( 66 ) and cutter ( 68 ) is alternated to cut and remove different diameter plugs of tobacco from cigars. Moreover, shaft ( 40 ), comprising a center cutting blade ( 48 ) that when used in conjunction with cutter ( 66 ) or cutter ( 68 ), cuts the bottom surface of a cylindrical hole enabling the removal of a complete plug of tobacco.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to devices that pierce or cut tobacco from theend of a cigar to allow cigar smokers to more easily draw smoke intotheir mouth. In addition, this invention combines a cigar cutting devicewith a writing instrument such as a ball point pen or mechanical pencil.

2. Description of Prior Art

Devices for piercing, perforating, and cutting plugs from the ends ofcigars have been known in the prior art. Cigar smokers use these devicesto pierce, perforate, cut, and punch out the cigar wrapper at the closedend of the cigar to provide an opening for the cigar smoker to drawsmoke into his or her mouth. Examples of cigar piercing, cutting,perforating, and punching devices are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,349to Chuan (2000), U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,593 to Chase (2000), U.S. Pat. No.5,862,808 to Albarello (1999), U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,763 to Conte (1996),U.S. Pat. No. 2,843,135 to Lisiewski (1958), U.S. Pat. No. 1,910,342 toKivikink (1933), U.S. Pat. No. 1,734,620 to Giacopini (1929), U.S. Pat.No. 1,434,599 to Field and Hunt (1922), U.S. Pat. No. 1,376,335 toHentschel (1921), U.S. Pat. No. 1,284,566 to Benson (1918), U.S. Pat.No. 1,177,852 to Flanders (1916), 706,679 to Mountford (1902), 703,162to Todd (1902), 308,906 to Larsen and Bersted (1884), and 282,764 toPeavey (1883). While these devices have been generally useful, theysuffer the following disadvantages:

-   (a) Patent '808 is a cigar punch, which combines a piercing    apparatus and plug cutting apparatus. While this patent is generally    useful, it does not remove the entire plug from the cigar,    especially those cigars having moist tobacco, because the cutter    apparatus only cuts the perimeter of the hole or plug, but not the    plug's bottom surface. Moreover, the piercing apparatus is shaped    like a common wood nail, i.e., a round shaft with a pointed tip,    which only temporarily displaces the tobacco while inserted into the    cigar. However, once the device withdrawn, the tobacco tends to    close to its original position, especially when pressure is applied    by the smoker's mouth. Hence, this patent tends to remove only the    top portion of the plug, leaving the main portion of the plug in the    cigar. In addition, this patent has a feature that ejects tobacco    from the end of the cutter. This feature is generally useful,    although it is susceptible to having small pieces of tobacco debris    becoming lodged within the enclosed ejector and spring mechanisms,    thus causing the sliding ability of the ejector and piercing device    to be greatly reduced. Moreover, this patent does not allow users to    easily disassemble the device for cleaning, it is overly complex and    expensive to manufacture, it cuts only one size of hole regardless    of a cigar's diameter, and it has only one cutting edge that limits    the longevity of the device.-   (b) Patent '349 is a cigar cutting device with three telescoping    cylindrical cutters of different sizes with each having a sharpened    beveled edge as known in the prior art. While this patent is    generally useful, it does not remove the entire plug from the end of    the cigar for the same reasons as stated above for patent '808.    Moreover, it is overly complicated to manufacture, requires the user    to handle a plurality of small components, and it is prone to    tobacco debris lodging in between the telescoping cutting tubes.-   (c) Patent '593 is a cigar cutting device with one single cutting    tube, with a sharpened beveled edge as known in the prior art. While    this patent is generally useful, it does not remove the entire plug    from the end of the cigar for the same reasons as stated above for    patent '808. Moreover, it cuts only one size of hole regardless of a    cigar's diameter, it has only one cutting edge that limits the    longevity of the device, and it requires the use of two hands to    remove the tobacco debris from the cutting tube.-   (d) Patent '763 is a cigar punch, which does not remove the entire    plug from the end of the cigar for the same reasons as stated above    for patent '808. Moreover, this patent does not allow users to    easily disassemble the device for cleaning, it cuts only one size of    hole regardless of a cigar's diameter, and it has only one cutting    edge that limits the longevity of the device.-   (e) Patents '135, '342, '620, '599, '335, '566, '852, '679, '162,    '906, and '764 are piercing and perforating devices. The main    problems with these devices are that they do not create a suitable    hole to enable a user to draw smoke with ease and the holes they do    create tend to close after the device is withdrawn (see disadvantage    given for the piercing apparatus on patent '808 above). Moreover,    they may damage the cigar's wrapper by penetrating too deeply or    penetrating away from the cigar's center-of-axis, they are overly    complex, and they do not allow users to easily disassemble the    devices for cleaning.

In addition, devices that have combined useful tools with writinginstruments have been known in the prior art. Some of these devices arefunctional, while others are ornamental. Examples of functional devicesare found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,304 to Huang (1997), wherein a pen iscombined with a laser light; U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,799 to Shklovsky(1983), wherein a pen is combined with a cigarette lighter; and patentsDes. 152,847 to Weiss (1949) and Des. 138,875 to Weiss (1944), wherein apen or pencil is combined with a knife blade. Examples of devices thatare ornamental are found in U.S. patent Des. 410,680 to Muller (1999),wherein a pen is shaped like a cigar and U.S. Pat. No. 1,647,536 toMiller (1927), wherein a pencil is shaped like a cigar and like abanana. While these devices are generally useful, their functions arenot intended or capable of piercing holes or cutting plugs of tobaccofrom the end of a cigar.

Since the late nineteenth century until now, these patents havecontinued to demonstrate a long-felt need to provide a device toovercome the problems associated with piercing and cutting plugs oftobacco from the ends of cigars.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, severalobjects and advantages of the present invention are as follows:

-   -   (a) to provide a device for cutting a cigar, which simply and        efficiently deals with the problem of cutting and removing an        entire plug of tobacco from the end of the cigar, thereby        maximizing the ease and ability to draw smoke;    -   (b) to provide a device for cutting a cigar, which combines an        external cutting device that cuts the diameter of the plug, with        a center cutting device that cuts the bottom surface of the        plug;    -   (c) to provide a device for cutting a cigar, which incorporates        a plurality of cutters that can be alternated between uses, thus        extending the effective life of the device;    -   (d) to provide a device for cutting a cigar, which incorporates        a plurality of cutters of different diameters to accommodate        cigars of different diameters;    -   (e) to provide a device for cutting a cigar, which can be easily        disassembled and reassembled for cleaning, thus extending the        effective operation and longevity of the device;    -   (f) to provide a device for cutting a cigar, which incorporates        a simple apparatus for ejecting tobacco from the end of the        cutting device and that can be easily disassembled for cleaning;    -   (g) to provide a device that combines a cigar cutting device        with a writing instrument such as a ball point pen or mechanical        pencil;    -   (h) to provide a device that combines a cigar cutting device        with a writing instrument such as a ball point pen or mechanical        pencil, and that has an alternative shortened end cap that can        be substituted for the writing instrument;    -   (i) to provide a device that combines a cigar cutting device        with a writing instrument such as a ball point pen or mechanical        pencil, that has an alternative elongated carrying tube that can        be substituted for the writing instrument, and that can be used        to carry articles related to smoking such as small cigars,        tweezers, piercing devices, cedar strips, matches, etc.;    -   (j) to provide a device for cutting a cigar, that is adapted        with a pocket clip wherein the combination cigar cutting device        and writing instrument can be easily carried in a shirt pocket,        on a clip board, in a briefcase, and the like; and    -   (k) to provide a device for cutting a cigar, which is easy to        use and has a simple structure for manufacturing and cost        efficiencies.

Still further objects and advantages of my combination cigar cuttingdevice and writing instrument will become apparent from a considerationof the drawings and ensuring descriptions.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elementscharacteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in theappended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and arenot drawn to scale. Moreover, closely related figures have the samenumber but different alphabetic suffices. The invention itself, however,both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understoodby reference to the detailed description which soon follows taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical embodiment of the presentinvention showing a cigar cutting device combined with a writinginstrument.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cigar cutting device as detachedfrom the writing instrument.

FIG. 2A is a longitudinal section view of the attachment threads on amounting tube of the writing instrument taken along the lines 2A-2A ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 2B is a magnified perspective view of the cigar cutting device asseen in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is an exploded elevation view of the cigar cutting device as seenin FIG. 2B.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section view through an end cap taken alonglines 414 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4A is a top elevation view of the end cap taken along lines 4A-A ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section view through a multifunctional shaftalong the lines 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a top elevation view of the multifunctional shaft taken alonglines 5A-5A of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5B is a bottom elevation view of the multifunctional shaft and acenter cutting blade taken along lines 5B-5B of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5C is an enlarged perspective view of the center cutting blade asshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal section view through a plurality-cuttercoupling taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6A is an end elevation view of the plurality-cutter coupling takenalong lines 6A-6A of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the cigar cutting device showing themultifunctional shaft in its retracted or resting position.

FIG. 7A is a side elevation view of the cigar cutting device showing themultifunctional shaft in its extended or ejection position.

FIG. 7B is a top elevation view of the cigar cutting device as seen inFIG. 7 taken along lines 7B-7B.

FIGS. 8-10 are perspective views of carrying tubes that are alternativeembodiments to the writing instrument.

FIG. 10B is a longitudinal section view of a carrying tube taken alonglines 10B-10B of FIG. 10 and is representative of the longitudinalsection views of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 (not shown), moreover this viewillustrates sample articles that can be carried within the tube (i.e.,tweezers, a piercing device, and matches).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment to thepreferred cigar cutting device comprising a simplified cutter having oneor more cutting tubes, and having no center cutting blade or ejectormechanism.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an end cap that is an alternativeembodiment to the writing instrument.

FIG. 12A is a longitudinal section view of the alternative end cap takenalong lines 12A-12A of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are enlarged perspective views of alternativeembodiments of the center cutting blade as seen in FIG. 5C.

FIGS. 13A and 14A are bottom elevation views of alternative embodimentsof the center cutting blade as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 taken along lines13A-13A and 14A-14A respectively.

FIGS. 15A-15C are perspective views of alternative embodiments forfastening the end cap and the writing instrument to the plurality-cuttercoupling.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   15—Combination Cigar Cutting Device and Writing Instrument    -   20—Cigar Cutter Assembly    -   25—Writing Instrument    -   26—Mounting Tube    -   26A—Mounting Thread    -   27—Dispensing Cartridge    -   28—Deployment Mechanism    -   30—End Cap    -   30A—Cap Thread    -   36—Clip    -   38—Clearance Hole    -   39—Cap Lip    -   40—Multifunctional Shaft    -   42—Ejector Button    -   44—Collar    -   46—Plunger Face    -   48—Center Cutting Blade    -   48A—Cutting Tip    -   50—Spring    -   60—Plurality-Cutter Coupling    -   60A—First Coupling Thread    -   60B—Second Coupling Thread    -   66—First Tubular Cutter    -   66A—First Cutting Edge    -   68—Second Tubular Cutter    -   68A—Second Cutting Edge    -   70—Cigar    -   70A—Cut Opening

SUMMARY

This present invention combines two useful devices known in the priorart: a writing instrument such as a ballpoint pen or a mechanicalpencil, and a device for cutting or punching a hole in the end of acigar that enable users to draw smoke into their mouths. This presentinvention is unique in that it allows users to carry a cigar cuttingdevice conveniently and stylishly, while providing a writing instrumentat his or her disposal. This convenience is beneficial to cigar smokersbecause they frequently smoke while being involved in businessgatherings, social and networking events, golf and other sportingevents, or contemplative activities such as reading, studying, andbrainstorming. Thus, users will have a cigar cutting device availablewhen they smoke cigars and have a writing instrument available to takenotes, record ideas, collect contact information, record golf scores,and the like. While this combination is unique, the cigar cutting devicehas unique and unexpected features as well. In brief, the cigar cuttingdevice comprises a plurality-cutter coupling that allows users toalternate tubular cutters of different diameters to accommodate cigarsof different diameters. Moreover, the cigar cutting device comprises aunique center cutting blade. When this blade is used in conjunction witha tubular cutter, the bottom surface and the perimeter of the hole iscut simultaneously. Hence, this dual cutting action results in thecutting and removal of a cylindrical plug of tobacco. The shape,thickness, and width of the center cutting blade can vary, but the shapeshould not be round and pointed like a common wood nail or like cigarpiercing devices as known in the prior art. Surprisingly, and quiteunexpectedly, the present inventor has discovered that using round andpointed piercing devices as found in the prior art, do not cut thebottom surface of a hole. The present inventor has also discovered thatthe unique combination of simultaneously using a tubular cutter inconjunction with a non-round and non-pointed center cutting bladeenables the cutting and removal of a clean and cylindrical plug oftobacco. Moreover, if a tubular cutter is used separately without acenter cutting blade, i.e., similar to how other cigar cutting devicesknown in the prior art are used, then only the hole's perimeter is cut,resulting in only the top portion of a plug being removed. If a piercingdevice is used separately, i.e., similar to how cigar pierces known inthe prior art are used, than only a small hole is formed which tends toclose once a smoker applies lip pressure on the cigar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS—FIGS. 1 to 15C

Before describing the combination cigar cutting device and writinginstrument, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited toa particular combination of a cigar cutting device and writinginstrument as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting as thescope of the present invention will be limited only by the appendedclaims.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein have the same meaning ascommonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention belongs. Referring now to the drawings, a typical embodimentof the combination cigar cutting device and writing instrument is shownin FIG. 1, and is generally designated as a combination cigar cuttingdevice and writing instrument 15.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 2B, combination 15 is comprised of a cigarcutter assembly 20 that is removably attached to a writing instrument25. In the preferred embodiment, instrument 25 is a standard ballpointpen as known in the prior art, comprising a mounting tube 26 with ahollow body portion, a longitudinal axis with opposite first and secondends. The first end of tube 26 has a mounting thread 26A to removablyattach to two compatible and opposite threads on assembly 20. Moreover,within tube 26 is dispensing cartridge 27 commonly used to dispense inkand a deployment mechanism 28 commonly used to extend and retractcartridge 27 from the second end. Mechanism 28's deployment of cartridge27 is accomplished by use of a common spring mechanism with aside-mounted deployment button (not shown) or by use of a commonrotational deployment mechanism (not shown), both of which are wellknown in the prior art. However, other types of writing instruments canbe adapted including fountain pens, markers, mechanical pencils, and thelike. Moreover, other types of cigar cutting devices known in the priorart can be adapted and substituted for assembly 20. These alternativesinclude other types of cigar punches, cigar cutters, cigar piercers,cigar perforators, and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, and 3, assembly 20 is shown detachedfrom instrument 25 by disengaging compatible threads located on assembly20 and instrument 25. In the preferred embodiment, a second couplingthread 60B comprising a thread and a top surface, is located near an endof a plurality-cutter coupling 60 and is compatible with a mountingthread 26A (see FIG. 2A) located at the first end a mounting tube 26.Opposite thread 60B on coupling 60 is a first coupling thread 60Acomprising a thread and a top surface, and is also compatible withthread 26A. Threads 26A, 60A, and 60B are common threads known in theprior art. Moreover, tube 26 is a common tube also known in the priorart and can be of various designs and functionality typically associatedwith writing instruments. Therefore, regardless of whether the writinginstrument is a ballpoint pen, a fountain pen, a mechanical pencil, or amarker, it is a simple matter of adapting comparable diameters andthreads of the mounting tube with the diameter and threads of assembly20.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 4A, an overview of assembly 20 will beprovided first, followed by a more detailed discussion in subsequentparagraphs. The four main elements of assembly 20 include a cap 30, amultifunctional shaft 40, a spring 50, and coupling 60. At a first endof shaft 40 are an ejector button 42 and a collar 44. Collar 44comprising a circular shaped shelf, a top surface, and a bottom surface.At a second end of shaft 40 are a center cutting blade 48 and a plungerface 46. Shaft 40 slidably moves through a spring 50, a first tubularcutter 66, a second tubular cutter 68, and coupling 60. Cutters 66 and68 are located at opposite ends of coupling 60 and enable the cutting ofdifferent diameter holes in the end of a cigar. To cut differentdiameter holes, coupling 60 is rotated end-over-ends, leaving cutter 66or cutter 68 exposed as the preferred cutter. Spring 50 comprising firstand second ends, bears upon the bottom surface of collar 44 and upon thetop surface of thread 60A or thread 60B (depending on whether cutter 66or cutter 68 is exposed as the preferred cutter). Cap 30 comprising anopen end and closed end, and having a clearance hole 38 at the closedend, encases spring 50 and button 42. Button 42 slidably passes throughhole 38 until the top surface of collar 44 bears against a cap lip 39which is the area formed between the outer diameter of cap 30 and theouter diameter of hole 38. Cap 30 and coupling 60 are removably attachedto one another by engaging a thread 30A located at the open end of cap30 with threads 60A or 60B respectively. The following paragraphs willdescribe these and additional features in greater detail.

Referring again to FIGS. 3, 4, and 4A, cap 30 comprising a hollow metalcylindrical body, a longitudinal axis with opposite first and secondends. Cap 30 being closed at the first end, but having hole 38 which iscentered and of suitable size to slidably receive button 42. The edgeremaining after forming hole 38 in the center of the closed end of cap30 is referred to as lip 39 which creates a bearing surface for the topsurface of collar 44. The second end of cap 30 is open, having thread30A formed on cap 30's inside surface which is adapted to engage withcompatible threads 60A and 60B. Attached to the exterior surface of cap30 is a clip 36 which is known in the prior art for securing articles topockets, clipboards, and the like. Clip 36 is secured to cap 30 by anymethod known in the prior art such as forming two hooks at one end ofclip 36 and then inserting these hooks into compatible slots that aremilled, formed, or drilled into cap 30 (method of attachment not shown).Another known method for attaching clip 36 includes forming a ring atone end of clip 36 which is adapted to slide over the top of a cap 30until snug (method of attachment not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, shaft 40 comprising a solid metalcylindrical body, a longitudinal axis with opposite first and secondends. Shaft 40 has several features formed along its longitudinal axisincluding button 42, collar 44, plunger 46, and blade 48. In thepreferred embodiment, all of these features are formed from one piece ofsolid material using a lathe and grinder. However, alternative methodsmay include the manufacture and assembly of two or more components madefrom two or more types of materials. For example, blade 48 can be madefrom stainless steel, with the remaining features on shaft 40 made froma composite material such as plastic. Blade 48 would then be pressfitted into a hole formed at the end of shaft 40 or by any other methodknown in the prior art.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 5A, button 42 located at the first endof shaft 40 is of suitable length so that when it is pushed, it urgesshaft 40 and face 46 to eject cut tobacco from within cutters 66 or 68.Contiguous to button 42 is collar 44 which is adapted to slidably movewithin cap 30. Collar 44 enables the containment of shaft 40 withinassembly 20 by its top surface bearing against lip 39 and it alsoprovides one of two bearing surfaces for spring 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 5B, and 5C, opposite button 42 on shaft 40 areface 46, blade 48, and a cutting tip 48A. Face 46 prevents cut tobaccofrom penetrating too far within cutters 66 or 68 and provides a plungingsurface for ejecting tobacco from cutters 66 or 68 when button 42 isdepressed. In the preferred embodiment, blade 48 is an elongatedrectangular blade of predetermined cross-sectional shape and size. Thelength, shape, width, and thickness of blade 48 and a tip 48A can vary,but the shape should not be round and pointed like a common wood nail orlike piercing devices known in the prior art. Surprisingly, and quiteunexpectedly, the present inventor has discovered that using round andpointed piercing devices as found in the prior art, do not cut thebottom surface of a hole. The present inventor has also discovered thatthe unique combination of simultaneously using a tubular cutter such ascutter 66 or cutter 68, in conjunction with a non-round and non-pointedcenter cutter such as blade 48 and tip 48A, enables the cutting andremoval of a clean and cylindrical plug of tobacco. Moreover, if atubular cutter is used separately without a center cutting blade, i.e.,similar to how other cigar cutting devices known in the prior art areused, then only the hole's perimeter is cut. If a piercing device isused separately, i.e., similar to how cigar pierces known in the priorart are used, than only a small hole is formed which tends to close oncea smoker applies lip pressure on the cigar.

Referring again to FIG. 3 and to FIGS. 7 and 7A, spring 50 is made ofany suitable material that is known in the prior art to provide suitablecompression and expansion characteristics. It is adapted to slide overshaft 40 and is sandwiched between the bottom surface of collar 44 andthe top surface of threads 60A or 60B. Thus, when button 42 is pushedand then released, spring 50 urges shaft 40 and collar 44 toward cap 30until the top surface of collar 44 bears against lip 39 and consequentlyurges blade 48 and face 46 to retract within cutter 66 or cutter 68.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 6, and 6A, coupling 60 comprising a hollowmetal cylindrical body, a longitudinal axis with opposite first andsecond ends. Coupling 60 has several features formed along itslongitudinal axis. At the first end is cutter 66 having a predeterminedcross-sectional shape and diameter and a first cutting edge 66A whichhas a sharpened beveled edge, and at the second end, is cutter 68 havinga predetermined cross-sectional shape and diameter and a second cuttingedge 68A which has a sharpened beveled edge. Edges 66A and 68A areformed by turning or grinding a beveled surface near the exposed ends ofcutters 66 and 68 respectively. These beveled edges are made on eitherthe outer or the inner surface of cutters 66 and 68 as known in theprior art. Alternatively, edges 66A and 66B may entail a two-sided,beveled edge that is similar to a knife's cutting edge. Coupling 60 alsocomprising threads 60A and 60B located near its first and second endsrespectively. In the preferred embodiment, the diameters of cutters 66and 68 are of two different sizes. However, alternative embodiments mayentail the same size diameters. Moreover, in the preferred embodimentthe features on coupling 60 are formed from a solid piece of materialusing a lathe, drill, and grinder. However, alternative methods mayinclude the manufacture and assembly of two or more components. Forexample, coupling 60 could be made from a single piece of compositematerial such as plastic, and cutters 66 and 68 could be made from twopieces of extruded tube steel. These three components would then beassembled using any method known in the prior art.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 10B, these figures illustrate alternativeembodiments that can be substituted for instrument 25. FIGS. 8 to 10Billustrate elongated carrying tubes of predetermined cross-sectionalshape and length that a user can carry and store articles related tosmoking such as small cigars, tweezers, matches, cedar strips, piercingdevices, and the like. FIG. 10B is a longitudinal section view of acarrying tube taken along lines 10B-10B of FIG. 10 and is representativeof the longitudinal sectional views of FIGS. 8 and 9 (not shown). Theattachment of these embodiments would be similar to how users attachedinstrument 25 to assembly 20 in the preferred embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 11, this figure illustrates an alternativeembodiment that can be substituted for combination 15. This embodimentcomprising a writing instrument combined with a simplified cigar cuttingdevice that may comprise one or more reversible cutting tubes, but haveno center cutting blade or an integrated ejector mechanism.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 12A, these figures illustrate yet anotheralternative embodiment that can be substituted for instrument 25. Whilesimilar to FIGS. 8 to 10, this embodiment comprising an alternative endcap of predetermined cross-sectional shape and length enables a user toshorten the overall length of the cigar cutting device at times when theuser doesn't want to carry a writing instrument. FIG. 12A is alongitudinal section view of the alternative end cap taken along lines12A-12A of FIG. 12. The attachment of this embodiments would be similarto how users attached instrument 25 to assembly 20 in the preferredembodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 13, 13A, 14, and 14A, these illustrations showalternative embodiments for blade 48 and tip 48A. While the preferredembodiment of blade 48 and tip 48A is rectangular and non-pointedrespectively, other shapes, including those shown in FIGS. 13 to 14A areapplicable. FIGS. 13 and 13A illustrate blade 48 with two beveled edgesthat would provide cutting action if assembly 20 was rotated bothclockwise and counter-clockwise. FIGS. 14 and 14A illustrate blade 48with four beveled edges that would provide cutting action if assembly 20was rotated either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A to 15C, these illustrations show alternatemethods for attaching cap 30 to coupling 60 and attaching coupling 60 toinstrument 25. FIG. 15A illustrates cap 30 with a bead formed in placeof thread 30A. FIG. 15B illustrates coupling 60 with a recesses formedin place of threads 60A and 60B. FIG. 15C illustrates tube 26 with abead formed in place of thread 26A. Thus, this system of beads andrecesses would enable these components to snap together resulting in asecured and removable attachment.

From the description above, a number of advantages of my combinationcigar cutting device and writing instrument become evident:

-   -   (a) The present invention combines cigar cutter assembly 20 with        writing instrument 25. Moreover, pocket clip 36 secures this        unique combination in a pocket, briefcase, clipboard, and the        like. These unique features enable users to carry the cigar        cutting device conveniently and stylishly, while providing a        writing instrument at one's disposal. This convenience is        beneficial to cigar smokers because they frequently smoke while        being involved in business gatherings, social and networking        events, golf and other sporting events, or contemplative        activities such as reading, studying, and brainstorming. Thus,        users will have a cigar cutting device available when they smoke        cigars and have a writing instrument available to take notes,        record ideas, collect contact information, record golf scores,        and the like.    -   (b) Assembly 20 uniquely combines a plurality of cutting        devices, i.e., cutter 66 or 68 with blade 48. Cutter 66 or 68        cuts the perimeter of a cylindrical hole and blade 48 cuts the        bottom surface of the same hole. This simultaneous cutting        action creates and removes a clean, cylindrical shaped plug that        maximizes the ease and ability to draw smoke.    -   (c) Assembly 20 incorporates more than one tubular cutter of        different diameters, i.e., cutters 66 and 68 that can be        alternated between uses, thus extending the effective life of        cutting edges 66A and 68A.    -   (d) Assembly 20 incorporates a plurality of tubular cutters of        different diameters, i.e., cutters 66 and 68, which can        accommodate cigars of different diameters, thereby minimizing        potential damage from using an inappropriate sized cigar cutting        device. Moreover, the necessity to carry or store more than one        size cigar cutting device is eliminated.    -   (e) Assembly 20 can be easily cleaned by detaching cap 30 and        withdrawing shaft 40. This ease of cleaning extends the        longevity and effective operation of assembly 20.    -   (f) Assembly 20 incorporates shaft 40 that is formed from a        single piece of material, thus minimizing the number of        manufactured and assembled components. Moreover, this        multifunctional shaft incorporates features that cuts the bottom        surface of a hole (i.e., blade 48 and tip 48A), ejects cut        tobacco from the cutters (i.e., button 42 and face 46), contains        shaft 40 within cap 30 (i.e., collar 44), and biases shaft 40        against spring 50 (i.e., collar 44).    -   (g) Assembly 20 is adaptable to receive compatible, elongated        carrying tubes for carrying small articles such as tweezers,        piercing devices, and matches, etc. when a user does not want to        carry a writing instrument (see FIGS. 8-10B).    -   (h) Assembly 20 is adaptable to receive a compatible, shortened        end cap when a user does not want to carry a writing instrument        or when a user prefers to carry a shortened device in a trouser        pocket rather than in shirt pocket (see FIG. 12).    -   (i) Tube 26 is adaptable to receive other types of cigar cutting        devices known in the prior art, including those having only one        cutter or those not having a mechanism to eject tobacco (see        FIG. 11).    -   (j) Assembly 20 entails only four major parts, thereby resulting        in substantial manufacturing and assembly cost efficiencies.    -   (k) The combination cigar cutting device and writing instrument        15 is easy to use, easy to clean, stylish, convenient, simple to        manufacture, and has substantial cost efficiencies.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS—FIGS. 1-3, 7, 7A-7B

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the manner for using the combination cigarcutting device and writing instrument is similar to that of relateddevices known in the prior art. Combination 15 comprises opposite firstand second ends. At the first end is assembly 20 and at the second endis instrument 25. In the preferred embodiment, instrument 25 iscomprised of tube 26, cartridge 27, and mechanism 28. Mechanism 28'sdeployment of a writing tip can be by a common spring mechanism with aside-mounted deployment button (not shown) or by a common rotationaldeployment mechanism (not shown), both of which are well known in theprior art. The use and maintenance of instrument 25 such as writing,replacing ink cartridges, inserting lead, etc., is identical to the useand maintenance of writing instruments known in the prior art. Users cancarry combination 15 in their shirt pocket, notebook, briefcase, and thelike. In fact, by whatever method typical writing instruments arecarried, used, and stored, combination 15 can be carried, used, andstored. This convenience is beneficial to cigar smokers because theyfrequently smoke while being involved in business gatherings, social andnetworking events, golf and other sporting events, or contemplativeactivities such as reading, brainstorming, and studying. Thus, cigarsmokers can have a writing instrument available to take notes, recordideas, collect contact information, record golf scores, and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, in order to use assembly 20 to cut ahole in the end of a cigar, the user must first disengage assembly 20from instrument 25. This is accomplished by grasping each component inseparate hands and then twisting them in opposite directions untildisengaged (similar to taking a threaded cap off any pen). The user thenselects the size cutter to use to cut a hole in the end of a cigar. Ifafter separating assembly 20 from instrument 25, the exposed cutter isthe preferred diameter (i.e., depending on which cutter was used last,either cutter 66 or cutter 68 will be exposed); the user can begin tocut the hole. However, if the exposed cutter is not the preferred one,the user must rotate coupling 60 end-over-ends to expose the cutter thatis preferred. The user accomplishes this by performing the followingsteps: a) grasps cap 30 in one hand and coupling 60 in the other; b)twists cap 30 apart from coupling 60 (similar to taking a threaded capoff any pen); c) withdraws shaft 40 and spring 50 from coupling 60; d)rotates coupling 60 end-over-ends; e) places spring 50 over thenon-preferred cutter; f) inserts shaft 40 through spring 50 and throughcoupling 60; g) places cap 30 over button 42; h) compresses cap 30 andcoupling 60 together; and i) twists cap 30 onto coupling 60 until fullyengaged.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 7, operating the present invention tocreate a cut opening 70A in the end of a cigar is described in thefollowing paragraph. The user: a) grasps cigar 70 in one hand andassembly 20 in the other; b) aligns the longitudinal axis of blade 48with the closed end and longitudinal axis of cigar 70; c) places thecutting edge of the preferred cutter (i.e., cutter 66 or cutter 68)against the tip of cigar 70; d) simultaneously rotates assembly 20 backand forth, while gently pushing the preferred cutter and blade 48 intocigar 70 until cigar 70 lightly contacts the top surface of thread 60Aor 60B (depending on the preferred cutter used); and e) withdrawsassembly 20 from the tip of cigar 70. Upon the twisting and plungingmovement of the preferred cutter and blade 48, there is created a cutplug conforming to the cylindrical shape of the preferred cutter'scylindrical body. After removal of the plug by pulling assembly 20 awayfrom the cigar, there results opening 70A in the cigar end, whichfacilitates passage of cigar smoke to the user's mouth.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, to eject the cut tobacco from theinside of the preferred cutter the user must depress button 42. As FIG.7A illustrates, depressing button 42 results in the following actions:shaft 40 extends forward by a distance about equal to the length ofbutton 42; spring 50 is compressed; blade 48 and face 46 extend outwardby a distance about equal to the length of button 42; and face 46 ejectsthe cut tobacco from the preferred cutter. Upon release of button 42,spring 50 expands. Spring 50 bears against the bottom surface of collar44 and the top surface of thread 60A or 60B, urging button 42 back toits original position and retracting face 46 and blade 48 within thepreferred cutter.

Referring again to FIG. 3, to clean assembly 20, the user performs thefollowing steps: a) grasps cap 30 in one hand and coupling 60 in theother; b) twists cap 30 and coupling 60 in opposite directions untilseparated (similar to taking a threaded cap off any pen); c) withdrawsshaft 40 and spring 50 from coupling 60; d) wipes down parts; e) rotatescoupling 60 end-over-ends to expose the preferred cutter f) placesspring 50 over the end of the non-preferred cutter; g) inserts shaft 40through spring 50 and through coupling 60; h) places cap 30 over button42; i) compresses cap 30 and coupling 60 together; and j) twists cap 30and coupling 60 in opposite directions until engaged.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that this combination cigar cuttingdevice and writing instrument delivers the following advantages:

-   -   (a) It maximizes the ability to draw smoke by cutting and        removing a complete cylindrical plug of tobacco from the end of        a cigar. Surprisingly, and quite unexpectedly, the present        inventor has discovered that using round and pointed piercing        devices as found in the prior art, do not cut the bottom surface        of a hole. The present inventor has also discovered that the        unique combination of simultaneously using a tubular cutter in        conjunction with a non-round and non-pointed center cutter blade        enables the cutting and removal of a clean and cylindrical plug        of tobacco.    -   (b) It provides the convenience of a writing instrument when and        wherever a user smokes a cigar, thus enabling the user to take        notes, record ideas, collect contact information, record golf        scores, and the like while participating in activities such as        business and networking events, golf and sporting events, social        gathering, reading, studying, and brainstorming.    -   (c) It incorporates a clip to secure the device to a pocket,        briefcase, clipboard, and the like so that it can be carried        conveniently and stylishly.    -   (d) It incorporates a plurality of tubular cutters of different        diameters that can be alternated between uses, thus extending        the effective life of the cutting edges.    -   (e) It incorporates a plurality of tubular cutters of different        diameters that can accommodate cigars of different diameters,        thereby minimizing potential damage from using an inappropriate        sized cigar cutting device.    -   (f) It can be cleaned easily, thereby extending the device's        longevity and effective operation.    -   (g) It is adaptable to receive compatible, elongated carrying        tubes for carrying small cigars, tweezers, piercing devices,        cedar strips, and matches, etc. when a user does not want to        carry a writing instrument.    -   (h) It is adaptable to receive a compatible, shortened end cap        that shortens the overall length of the device for when users do        not want to carry a writing instrument or when users prefer to        carry the device in a trouser pocket rather than a shirt pocket.    -   (i) It is easily adaptable to receive other types of cigar        cutting and piercing devices including those devices that have        only one cutter or those that have no mechanism to eject        tobacco.    -   (j) It entails only four major parts, thereby resulting in        substantial manufacturing and assembly cost efficiencies.

Although the description above contains much specificity, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this invention. For example, my present invention's overall structurecan have other shapes including rectangular, oval, or triangular; it canbe made from materials including brass, copper, bronze, stainless steel,aluminum, silver, gold, plastic, or hardened rubber; it can bemanufactured using processes including mills, lathes, forges, plasticinjection, or laser sculpturing; its writing instrument can entail aball point pen, a mechanical pencil, a fountain pen, or a marker; itscutting edges can be serrated, beveled, notched, or honed; its centercutting device can have various cross-sectional shapes and sizesincluding rectangular, triangular, and trapezoidal; the end caps can beof different lengths and cross-sectional shapes; the attachment methodscan be with threads, snap-on fittings, or pressure fittings; and thecigar cutting device can comprise of one or more replaceable orpermanent cutting edges, no center cutting blade, and no integratedmethod to eject tobacco debris.

Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examplesgiven.

1. A combination cigar cutting device and writing instrument comprising:(a) a writing instrument; (b) (currently amended) a cigar cutting devicecomprising a plurality of cutters.
 2. The writing instrument of claim 1wherein said writing instrument comprising: (a) (currently amended) amounting tube, said mounting tube comprising a hollow body portion, alongitudinal axis with opposite first and second ends; the first end ofsaid hollow body portion having an attachment means to removably attachsaid first end to a compatible attachment means on said cigar cuttingdevice comprising a plurality of cutters; a dispensing device withinsaid hollow body portion to dispense ink, lead, and the like; and adeployment means to extend and retract said dispensing device from saidsecond end; (b) a writing means to record information, whereby a cigarsmoker has a writing device readily available for use whileparticipating in activities that mingle cigar smoking with activitiessuch as reading, brainstorming, social functions, business meetings,networking events, sporting events, golf, and the like.
 3. The writinginstrument of claim 2 wherein said mounting tube is made from materialsincluding metal and plastic, and wherein said dispensing devicedispenses other mediums such as lead, and wherein said deployment meansmaintains said dispensing device in a fixed position.
 4. The cigarcutting device of claim 1 wherein said cigar cutting device comprising:(a) a plurality-cutter coupling, an urging means, a multifunctionalshaft, and a cap; (b) said plurality-cutter coupling, comprising ahollow cylindrical body, a longitudinal axis with opposite first andsecond ends, a first cutting means at said first end, said first cuttingmeans comprising a tubular cutter with a sharpened edge and apredetermined cross-sectional shape and diameter, and a second cuttingmeans at said second end, said second cutting means comprising a tubularcutter with a sharpened edge and a predetermined cross-sectional shapeand diameter that may be of a different diameter than said first cuttingmeans; (c) said plurality-cutter coupling, also comprising a firstattachment means near said first end, and a second attachment means nearsaid second end, whereby said plurality-cutter coupling can be rotatedend-over-ends to be alternately attached to said cap and to said writinginstrument, and whereby said first cutting means and said second cuttingmeans can be alternated to cut and remove different diameter plugs oftobacco from the end of a cigar; (d) said urging means, adapted toprovide separation between said plurality-cutter coupling and saidmultifunctional shaft, whereby said multifunctional shaft returns to itsoriginal position after being urged to eject tobacco from the inside ofsaid first cutting means and alternately from the inside of said secondcutting means; (e) said multifunctional shaft, comprising a solidcylindrical body, a longitudinal axis with opposite first and secondends, a pushing means at said first end, said pushing means comprisingan exposed end and a base, whereby a user pushes said exposed end tourge said multifunctional shaft through said plurality-cutter couplingto eject pieces of cut tobacco; (f) said multifunctional shaft, alsocomprising a center cutting means at said second end, said centercutting means comprising a predetermined cross-sectional shape, a base,and a cutting tip; the improvement wherein said center cutting means isnot shaped round and pointed and is used simultaneously and inconjunction with said first cutting means or with said second cuttingmeans, whereby the circumference and bottom surface of a cylindricalplug of tobacco is cut enabling the removal of said cylindrical plug oftobacco from the end of said cigar; (g) said multifunctional shaft, alsocomprising a plunger surface contiguous to said base of said centercutting means, a bearing surface near said first end, said bearingsurface comprising a top surface that enables the containment of saidmultifunctional shaft within said cap, and a bottom surface that bearsagainst said urging means, whereby, when a user pushes said exposed endof said pushing means, said multifunctional shaft and said plungersurface slide through said plurality-cutter coupling and through saidfirst cutting means or said second cutting means, thereby ejecting saidcylindrical plug of tobacco, and whereby when the user releases saidpushing means, said urging means biases against said bottom surface ofsaid bearing surface, urging said pushing means and said center cuttingmeans back to their original positions; (h) said cap, comprising ahollow cylindrical body, a longitudinal axis with opposite first andsecond ends; said first end is closed, said second end is open; acarrying means attached to the exterior surface of said cap for securingsaid combination cigar cutting device and writing instrument to a pocketand the like; (i) said cap, also comprising a hole of sufficient size atthe center of said first end, wherein a lip is formed at said first endbetween the circumference of said hole and the outer circumference ofsaid cap; and wherein said cap is adapted to slide over said exposed endof said pushing means, enabling said pushing means to slidably extendthrough said hole until said top surface of said bearing surface bearsagainst said lip enabling the containment of said multifunctional shaftwithin said cap; (j) said cap, also comprising a first attachment meansat said second end, whereby said cap can be removably attached to saidfirst attachment means of said plurality-cutter coupling and removablyattached to said second attachment means of said plurality-cuttercoupling; (k) a means to cut and remove tobacco from the end of saidcigar, whereby in a single operation, the simultaneous cutting action ofsaid first cutting means or said second cutting means, combined withsaid center cutting means, is adaptable to cut and remove saidcylindrical plug of tobacco from the end of said cigar, which saidcylindrical plug of tobacco remains at least in part within said firstcutting means or within said second cutting means, and wherein saidpushing means of said multifunctional shaft is operable to move saidplunger surface of said multifunctional shaft through said first cuttingmeans or through said second cutting means to eject said cylindricalplug of tobacco.
 5. The cigar cutting device of claim 4, wherein saidplurality-cutter coupling further includes replaceable first and secondcutting means of predetermined cross-sectional shape, length, anddiameter, and wherein said multifunctional shaft further includesreplaceable said center cutting means of predetermined cross-sectionalshape, length, and diameter, and wherein said carrying means on said capis formed as part of said cap, and wherein the first and secondattachment means on said coupling are a combination and ridges andtroughs adapted to mate with like ridges and troughs on said cap and onsaid writing instrument.
 6. The cigar cutting device of claim 1 furtherincluding an alternative carrying tube of predetermined cross-sectionalshape and length that can be substituted for said writing instrument;said alternative carrying tube, comprising a hollow body, a longitudinalaxis with opposite first and second ends, said first end being open,said second end being closed, an attachment means at said open end toremovably attach said alternative carrying tube to a compatibleattachment means on said cigar cutting device; whereby a user can carrysmall articles including tweezers, small cigars, matches, cedar strips,piercing devices, and the like within said alternative carrying tube. 7.The cigar cutting device of claim 1 further including an alternative endcap of predetermined cross-sectional shape and length that can besubstituted for said writing instrument, said alternative end cap,comprising a hollow body, a longitudinal axis with opposite first andsecond ends, said first end being open, said second end being closed, anattachment means at said open end to removably attach said alternativeend cap to a compatible attachment means on said cigar cutting device;whereby a user can use said alternative end cap to shorten the overalllength of said cigar cutting device during times when said writinginstrument and said alternative carrying tube is not desired.
 8. Thecigar cutting device of claim 1, wherein said cigar cutting device is aknown device in the prior art; including those devices comprisingcombination tubular and center cutters, a plurality of cutters, apiercing device, an integrated means to eject tobacco debris, annon-integrated means to eject tobacco; and wherein said known device isadaptable to attach to said writing instrument and adaptable to attachto said alternative carrying tube.
 9. A combination cigar cutting deviceand writing instrument comprising: (a) a means for writing; (b) a meansfor cutting cigars comprising a plurality of cutters.
 10. The writinginstrument of claim 9 wherein said writing instrument comprising: (a)(currently amended) a mounting tube, said mounting tube comprising ahollow body portion, a longitudinal axis with opposite first and secondends; the first end of said hollow body portion having threads toremovably attach said first end to compatible threads on said means forcutting cigars comprising a plurality of cutters; a dispensing device todispense lead, ink, and the like; and a deployment mechanism to deployand retract said dispensing device from said second end; (b) a means torecord information, whereby a cigar smoker has a pen, a mechanicalpencil, and the like that is readily available to use whileparticipating in activities that mingle cigar smoking with activitiessuch as reading, brainstorming, social functions, business meetings,networking events, sporting events, golf, and the like.
 11. The cigarcutting device of claim 9 wherein said cigar cutting device comprising:(a) a housing, a spring, a shaft, and a cap; (b) said housing,comprising a hollow cylindrical body, a longitudinal axis with oppositefirst and second ends, a first tubular cutter at said first end, saidfirst tubular cutter comprising a sharpened beveled edge and apredetermined cross-sectional shape and diameter, and a second tubularcutter at said second end, said second tubular cutter comprising asharpened beveled edge and a predetermined cross-sectional shape anddiameter that may be the same size as said first cutting means; (c) saidhousing, also comprising a first thread near said first end, and asecond thread near said second end, whereby said housing can be rotatedend-over-ends to be alternately attached to said cap and to said meansfor writing, and whereby said first tubular cutter and said secondtubular cutter can be alternated to cut and remove plugs of tobacco fromthe end of a cigar; (d) said spring, adapted to provide separationbetween said housing and said shaft, whereby said shaft returns to itsoriginal position after being urged to eject tobacco from the inside ofsaid first tubular cutter and alternately from the inside of said secondtubular cutter; (e) said shaft, comprising a solid cylindrical body, alongitudinal axis with opposite first and second ends, an ejector buttonat said first end, said ejector button comprising an exposed end and abase, whereby a user pushes said exposed end to urge said shaft throughsaid housing to eject tobacco debris; (f) said shaft, also comprising acenter cutting blade at said second end, said center cutting bladecomprising a predetermined cross-sectional shape, a base, and a cuttingtip; the improvement wherein said center cutting blade is not shapedround and pointed and is used simultaneously and in conjunction withsaid first tubular cutter or with said second tubular cutter, wherebythe circumference and bottom surface of a cylindrical plug of tobacco iscut enabling the removal of said cylindrical plug of tobacco from theend of said cigar; (g) said shaft, also comprising an ejector surfacecontiguous to said base of said center cutting blade, a collar, saidcollar comprising a top surface that enables the containment of saidshaft within said cap, and a bottom surface that bears against saidspring; whereby, when a user pushes said ejector button, said shaft andsaid ejector surface slidably move through said housing and through saidfirst tubular cutter or through said second tubular cutter ejecting saidcylindrical plug of tobacco; and when the user releases said ejectorbutton, said spring biases against said bottom surface of said collar,urging said ejector button and said center cutting blade to retract backto their original resting positions; (h) (currently amended) said cap,comprising a hollow cylindrical body, a longitudinal axis with oppositefirst and second ends; said first end is closed, said second end isopen; a carrying means attached to the exterior surface of said cap forsecuring said combination cigar cutting device and writing instrument toa pocket and the like; (i) said cap, also comprising a hole ofsufficient size at the center of said first end, wherein a lip is formedat said first end between the circumference of said hole and the outercircumference of said cap; and wherein said cap is adapted to slide oversaid ejector button, enabling said ejector button to slidably extendthrough said hole until said top surface of said collar bears againstsaid lip enabling the containment of said shaft; (j) said cap, alsocomprising a first thread at said second end, whereby said cap can beremovably attached to said first thread of said housing and alternately,to be removably attached to said second thread of said housing; (k) ameans to cut and remove tobacco from the end of said cigar, whereby in asingle operation, the simultaneous cutting action of said first tubularcutter or said second tubular cutter, combined with said center cuttingblade, is adaptable to cut and remove said cylindrical plug of tobaccofrom the end of said cigar, which said cylindrical plug of tobaccoremains in part within said first tubular cutter or within said secondtubular cutter, and wherein said ejector button is operable to move saidejector surface of said shaft through said first tubular cutter orthrough said second tubular cutter to eject said cylindrical plug oftobacco.
 12. The cigar cutting device of claim 9 further including analternative storage tube of predetermined cross-sectional shape andlength that can be substituted for said writing means, said alternativestorage tube, comprising a hollow body, a longitudinal axis withopposite first and second ends, said first end being open, said secondend being closed, a mounting thread at said open end to removably attachsaid alternative carrying tube to a compatible attachment means on saidcigar cutting means; whereby a user can carry small articles related tosmoking including small cigars, tweezers, matches, cedar strips,piercing devices, and the like within said alternative carrying tube.13. The cigar cutting device of claim 9 further including an alternativeend cap of predetermined cross-sectional shape and length that can besubstituted for said writing means; said alternative end cap, comprisinga hollow body, a longitudinal axis with opposite first and second ends,said first end being open, said second end being closed, a mountingthread at said open end to removably attach said alternative end cap tosaid cigar cutting means; whereby a user can use said alternative endcap to shorten the overall length of said cigar cutting device duringtimes when said writing means and said alternative carrying tube is notdesired.
 14. A method of using a combination cigar cutting devicecomprising a plurality of cutters and a writing instrument to cut aplurality of size plugs from the end of a cigar and for using a writinginstrument whenever a pen, pencil, and the like is convenient whilesmoking a cigar comprising the steps of: (a) (currently amended)providing a writing device having a mounting tube, said mounting tubecomprising a hollow body portion, a longitudinal axis with oppositefirst and second ends; the first end of said hollow body portion havingan attachment means to removably attach said first end to a compatibleattachment means on said cigar cutting device comprising a plurality ofcutters; a dispensing device within said hollow body portion to dispenseink, lead, and the like; and a deployment means to extend and retractsaid dispensing device from said second end; (b) providing a cigarcutting device, comprising a plurality-cutter coupling, a spring, ashaft, and a cap; said plurality-cutter coupling comprising a hollowcylindrical body with a longitudinal axis and opposite first and secondends; a first tubular cutter at said first end and a second tubularcutter at said second end; said shaft comprising a solid cylindricalbody with a longitudinal axis and opposite first and second ends, anejector button at said first end, a center cutting means at said secondend; said cap comprising of a hollow cylindrical body with alongitudinal axis and opposite first and second ends and a carrying clipattached to the exterior surface of said cap; (c) positioning saidcombination cigar cutting device comprising a plurality of cutters andwriting instrument such that said second end of said writing instrumentis contiguous to a writing surface for the purpose of writing, drawing,and the like; (d) selecting and enabling a preferred cutter to cut aplurality of size holes in the end of said cigar wherein the userperforms the following steps: grasps said cap in one hand and saidplurality-cutter coupling in the other; twisting said cap apart fromsaid plurality-cutter coupling; withdrawing said shaft and said springfrom said plurality-cutter coupling; rotating said plurality-cuttercoupling end-over-ends leaving said preferred cutter exposed; placingsaid spring over the non-preferred cutter; inserting said shaft throughsaid spring and through said plurality-cutter coupling; placing said capover said ejector button on said shaft; compressing and twisting saidcap and said plurality-cutter coupling together until engaged; (e)positioning said cigar cutting device such that the longitudinal axis ofsaid preferred cutter and of said center cutting means, are parallelwith the longitudinal axis of said cigar; and positioning said cigarcutting device such that said preferred cutter is centrally aligned andcontiguous to an end portion of said cigar having a wrapper thereon; (f)moving said preferred cutter simultaneously and in conjunction with saidcenter cutting means, toward said cigar whereby the resultingdual-cutting action cuts the circumference and bottom surface of a plugof tobacco, which said plug of tobacco remains at least in part withinsaid preferred cutter;
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein providing acigar cutting device, comprising a coupling, a spring, a shaft, and acap; said coupling comprising a hollow cylindrical body with alongitudinal axis and opposite first and second ends; a first cutter atsaid first end and a second cutter at said second end that can bealternately selected as a preferred cutter to cut different diameterholes in the end of a cigar by rotating said coupling end-over-ends;further including a first thread near said first end of said couplingand a second thread near said second end of said coupling; said shaftcomprising a solid cylindrical body with a longitudinal axis andopposite first and second ends, an ejector button at said first end, acollar that is contiguous to said ejector button, said collar having atop surface and a bottom surface, a center cutting blade at said secondend, and a plunger surface that is contiguous to said center cuttingblade; said cap comprising of a hollow cylindrical body with alongitudinal axis and opposite first and second ends and a carryingmeans attached to the exterior surface of said cap to enable saidcombination cigar cutting device and writing instrument to be carried ina pocket and the like; said first end of said cap is closed with a holeof sufficient size to slide over said ejector button, said second end ofsaid cap is open with an internal thread that mates to said firstthreads or said second threads of said coupling; a spring adapted toslide over said first cutter or said second cutter and to bear againstsaid bottom surface of said collar thus biasing said collar toward saidcap; (a) detaching said cigar cutting device from said writinginstrument to use said cutting device to cut a hole in the end of saidcigar by grasping said coupling in one hand and said writing instrumentin the other hand and then twisting said coupling and said writinginstrument in opposite directions until detached; (b) ejecting said plugof tobacco by pressing said ejector button toward said first end of saidcap, urging said plunger surface through said preferred cutter, wherebysaid plug of tobacco is ejected; (c) releasing said ejector button topermit said spring to urge said shaft back to its original position,whereby said center cutting blade and said plunger surface are withdrawnwithin said preferred cutter; (d) cleaning said cigar cutting device bydetaching said cap from said coupling; withdrawing said shaft and saidspring from said coupling; and wiping off said cap, said shaft, saidspring, and said coupling; (e) reassembling said cigar cutting deviceafter cleaning and after selecting said preferred cutter, by insertingsaid second end of said shaft through said spring and through saidcoupling; placing said second end of said cap over said ejector buttonuntil said collar of said shaft bears against said first end of saidcap; twisting said cap and said coupling in opposite directions untilengaged; (f) carrying said combination cigar cutting device and writinginstrument by inserting said second end of said writing instrument intoa pocket, a note pad, a briefcase, and the like, with said carrying clippositioned to attach to said pocket and the like.
 16. The method ofclaim 14 further including an alternative carrying tube of predeterminedcross-sectional shape and length that can be substituted for saidwriting instrument; said alternative carrying tube, comprising a hollowbody, a longitudinal axis with opposite first and second ends, saidfirst end being open, said second end being closed, an attachment meansat said open end to removably attach said alternative carrying tube to acompatible attachment means on said cigar cutting device; whereby a usercan carry small articles including tweezers, matches, cedar strips,piercing devices, small cigars, and the like within said alternativecarrying tube.
 17. The method of claim 14 further including analternative end cap of predetermined cross-sectional shape and lengththat can be substituted for said writing instrument; said alternativeend cap, comprising a hollow body, a longitudinal axis with oppositefirst and second ends, said first end being open, said second end beingclosed, an attachment means at said open end to removably attach saidalternative end cap to a compatible attachment means on said cigarcutting device; whereby a user can use said alternative end cap toshorten the overall length of said cigar cutting device during timeswhen said writing instrument and said alternative carrying tube is notdesired.
 18. The method of claim 14 wherein said cigar cutting device isa known device in the prior art; including those devices comprisingcombination tubular and center cutters, a plurality of cutters, apiercing device, an integrated means to eject tobacco debris, annon-integrated means to eject tobacco; and wherein said known device isadaptable to attach to said writing instrument and adaptable to attachto said alternative carrying tube.